In some ways we have been busy, in others I’d say it was “down time.” This past week was a “kids week” for us, as well as Kevin working on recuperating. It has been special to have my handsome husband here at home with me fulltime. We’ve had some wonderful chats and quiet moments just holding hands and enjoying each others’ presence.

In between has been seeing to the kids’ entertainment, so-to-speak. Tayler had a girlfriend over night last night, so we took the kids to see Over the Hedge. Actually we dropped the three of them off and then picked them up. This marks a first, that normally I wouldn’t do or allow for. But the girls are responsible and aware of the possible dangers, and kept a good eye on Riley. They also made sure they didn’t leave the building and we were there before the movie actually let out.

I wanted to thank a few more people who I love dearly for being there for me before Kevin’s surgery and while he was in surgery. Gin, your emails of encouragement and the visit with you and Conor the night before Kevin’s surgery meant the world to me! I love you and want you to know how much I appreciate how you have always been there for me during hard times. Even when we haven’t seen each other or talked in months, if the shit hits the proverbial fan, there you are for me.

Rishelle and Bill, thank you so much for coming to hold my hand and feeding me the day of Kevin’s surgery. Rishelle, having you there with me the whole 11 hours of Kevin’s surgery, means more to me than you will ever know. Thank you for literally taking a day off work, just to come and hold my hand. I consider the three of you to be part of my family, and I pray that if ever a need arises, you will allow for me to be there for you guys!

Dad, thank you for not only letting me cry on your shoulder, but helping me to laugh and “lighten up” when I was allowing circumstances to drag me down.

Jane, those flowers you sent to us will go down in history as the flowers that lasted longer than any other bouquet that has graced our table! Seriously, they still looked beautiful as late as yesterday when I added more water to the vase. I am completely amazed! Thank you girlfriend, for bringing smiles to our faces.

Mikki and Jim, the fruit basket you sent us has been almost completely devoured! The plant had the most beautiful color of red blossoms on it. Thank you so much for the thoughtful gift! It was a nice compliment to the basket of goodies Barb and Jim sent. And, Margie and Mike, we’re just salavating to get into the treasure trove of books you sent.

Cooking to battle Kevin’s anemia has proven to be somewhat of a challenge. I found myself not wanting to take chances as far as him getting enough iron, and so the poor man has eaten a LOT of spinach!(every meal) A LOT of fruits and dark green veggies! A LOT of steak! Let me tell you, eating healthy is damned expensive! I never realized just how poorly Kevin and I eat on the week we don’t have the kids with us. But I have spent a small fortune ensuring that he, as well as the rest of us, have eaten a vitamin laden diet.

Kevin looks great! Although I haven’t actually weighed him in, I can see where he has lost a good deal of weight through his face and his mid-section. His coloring is slowly coming back, and his energy level has increased.

The one perk that came from him having surgery and being stuck in the hospital for a week, is he has completely gotten off cigarettes! He has been smoke-free since June 9th. I am thrilled with this outcome, and now must face my own addiction to the cancer sticks and work on getting off of them. I’m not there yet, although I have cut way back. I just haven’t summoned the determination to throw them away completely. I’ll get there. In the meantime I am making sure to validate his success and assure him I will throw them away. Having had morphine for a week made his physically hard first week of quitting not quite as painful. Do you think my doc. would give me morphine to get off cigarettes? Yeah, I didn’t really think so either.

Tuesday, I have scheduled a girls lunch, with both my good friend and blog designer Rachel, and the vivacious Jade of Jaded Sunburns. I am very much looking forward to getting out for a few hours and visiting with these two lovely and fun ladies. It is a celebration in a sense, since I haven’t had lunch with Jade even though her birthday was a week ago, or Rachel, who recently moved into her new home. So I’m calling it a Birthday/Housewarming lunch with two of my favorite blogging girlfriends. Watch out Red Lobster! Rachel, I know they have other menu items besides fish, we WILL find something for you to enjoy! Jade, I know you have been going through a rough time right now, so we are going to let go of life for a little while and just have some fun.

I have started trying to fit some time in to read blogs and catch up with all of my blogging favorite people. I miss all of you. It’s going to take me a while to work through my favorites list while my husband is at home, but I’ll get around to you soon.I hope everyone’s weekend has been a good and relaxing one! In Tayler’s words, “Thanks for reading my blog.”

Love,

3T